A Beautiful Compensation
With Gratitude October 21
“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Without the Twelfth Step, I am pretty sure I would return permanently to my selfish and self-centered ways. In my mind, if someone needs help, my first thought is rarely, “Oh, let me be of service immediately!” Instead, it’s a reluctant, “Okay, if I have to help,” or even more rebelliously, “Doesn’t she know I have more important things to do?”
However, because of my daily practice of the Twelfth Step, I automatically help when it is required. I can easily answer the phone and listen, talk to the newcomer after the meeting, or help a student at school who is confused about the homework. I can also volunteer to help instead of waiting to be asked. This happens both in AA and at work. I am not limited to helping sponsees or people in my line of sponsorship, either. I am free to help any alcoholic, Al-Anon, or human being.
I do have to discern between helping and caretaking, however. I can guide a person, but it is their responsibility to do the things they need to do to be successful. I cannot take the action for them. God gives me the needed power to discern between my responsibilities and another’s. But I can always lend a listening ear to any person who is troubled. I can always take the time—and my program expects me to.
Today’s Prayer
God, relieve me of the bondage of self today so that I may be useful to others.
This is two of two from my book—thank you for reading two days in a row! Original post coming Friday. Have a wonderful week! -Jamey M.